Hey, friend! Ever bite into a cookie so soft and chocolatey it feels like Santa himself baked it in his North Pole kitchen? Let me introduce you to cake mix chocolate chip Santa cookies, a festive, chewy treat that’s as easy as it is merry. I whipped these up for a holiday party last week, and they disappeared faster than my Christmas budget! Ready to bake a batch that’ll make your kitchen feel like Santa’s workshop? Let’s get mixing!

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Why These Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Are a Total Winner

So, what’s the big deal with these cookies? They’re not just cookies—they’re chewy, chocolatey delights made with a cake mix hack for maximum ease and holiday vibes. I mean, who can resist a cookie that looks like Santa’s favorite? Here’s why this recipe rocks:

Super Quick: Done in 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
Foolproof: Cake mix makes these cookies easy, even for beginners.
Festive Fun: Chocolate chips and optional red sprinkles scream holiday cheer.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, gifting, or leaving out for Santa.

Ever wonder why holiday cookies feel so magical? It’s that sweet, chocolatey goodness that makes these Santa cookies a star.

The Magic of Cake Mix and Chocolate Chips

The star here is yellow cake mix, which creates a soft, chewy base with minimal effort. Chocolate chips add gooey bursts of flavor, while butter brings richness. I learned the hard way that overmixing makes them tough—keep it simple! It’s like a Christmas cookie tray in every bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. This recipe uses a handful of staples to create that festive, bakery-worthy flavor. Here’s what you’ll grab:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup red and green sprinkles (optional for festive flair)
Optional: 2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting 🙂

Substitutions That Work

No yellow cake mix? White cake mix works, but yellow gives that buttery vibe, IMO. Out of chocolate chips? White chocolate chips or M&M’s add a fun twist. Want it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix and check your chocolate chips. The key is that chocolatey-Santa vibe, so don’t skip the cake mix or chips!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies

Ready to bake? This is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Here’s how to nail it:

Step 1: Prep the Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.
Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Scoop dough into 1.5-tbsp balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
Gently flatten each ball with your hand or a glass for a cookie shape.
Add extra sprinkles on top for a festive touch, if desired.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy Santa look, and serve!

Pro tip: I once overbaked these, and they turned harder than a fruitcake nobody wants. Pull them out when the centers are soft for that perfect chewy texture!

Tips for Nailing Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies

Wanna make these cookies next-level? Here are my go-to tricks:

Use Room-Temp Eggs: Eggs blend better when not ice-cold.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep cookies soft.
Melt Butter Evenly: Fully melted butter ensures a smooth dough.
Add Sprinkles Sparingly: Too many sprinkles can overpower the flavor.
Bake Just Right: Pull cookies out when centers are soft for chewiness.

Ever wonder why cake mix cookies are so easy yet so good? It’s that pre-measured mix and chocolatey bursts that make these Santa cookies a total hit.

Variations to Mix It Up

Bored of the classic? Try these twists to keep things festive:

White Chocolate Santa Cookies

Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter vibe.

Peppermint Santa Cookies

Add ½ tsp peppermint extract for a minty holiday twist.

Nutty Santa Cookies

Mix in ¼ cup chopped pecans for a crunchy contrast.

Vegan Santa Cookies

Use vegan butter and egg replacer (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a plant-based version.

Storing and Reusing Like a Pro

Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Here’s how to keep those cookies fresh:

Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Reusing: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 5 minutes to revive chewiness.

I’ve turned leftover cookies into a festive dessert crumble over ice cream, and it was a total game-changer. Keep them airtight for that chocolatey, Santa vibe!

FAQs About Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies

Got questions? I’ve got you covered. Here’s what folks usually ask:

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yup! Chocolate cake mix adds a double-chocolate vibe, but yellow is classic.

Why are my cookies flat?

You might’ve used too-warm butter or overmixed. Cool the butter slightly.

Can I make these ahead?

Totally! Prep dough up to 2 days ahead and bake when ready.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cake mix and check your chocolate chips for a gluten-free version.

What’s a good pairing for these?

These cookies shine with hot cocoa, milk, or coffee. I love them with a scoop of peppermint ice cream for extra holiday cheer.

Related Recipes:

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—cake mix chocolate chip Santa cookies, the ultimate chewy, chocolatey treat with a festive, holiday charm. It’s like Santa’s workshop in your kitchen, perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or leaving out for the big guy himself. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or adding your own spin, these cookies deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Grab your cake mix, fire up the oven, and get ready for a batch that’ll have everyone ho-ho-hoping for seconds. What’s stopping you from baking these tonight? 🙂

Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies: Easy, Festive Recipe

Eman Brooks

These festive cookies combine the ease of cake mix with the classic chocolate chip cookie flavor. Soft and chewy with colorful sprinkles, they make a perfect Christmas treat to leave out for Santa or enjoy with family during the holiday season.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Total Time 20

Course Dessert, Cookie

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix any brand
2 large egg whites
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup white chocolate chips
¼ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup holiday-colored sprinkles optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, egg whites, flour, and oil until smooth.
Fold in white chocolate chips, chocolate chips, and ¼ of the holiday sprinkles.
Scoop dough into balls and place on ungreased baking sheet.
Gently press down cookie dough balls and top with extra chocolate chips and sprinkles.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For added flavor, try adding 1 teaspoon almond extract.
Chill dough if too sticky to handle easily.
Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy.
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

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